McRae hints at 2005 return

McRae, who has struggled in form this year and was dropped in favour of Carlos Sainz in the Citroen driver squad for 2004 following the introduction of new FIA regulations that only allow two registered cars per team, has run out of options for next season and is preparing to embark on the Wales Rally GB for possibly the last time.

"I don't think the Rally GB will be my last one at all," said McRae. "I'll decide in May or June of next year whether or not I really, really miss it. If I do, I might try to come back for 2005.

"I'd soon get fed up with doing nothing. I need to keep my eye in, to satisfy my competitive spirit. Maybe I'll have a relatively easy year, but I'll still be competing."

Rumours are circulating that the Scot already has a deal to compete in next year's Paris-Dakar marathon, but he denies that anything is yet secured: "A lot of people seem to know that I'm doing the Dakar. Nothing is definite at the moment but I expect to have some very positive things to say very soon."

With all the works drives taken for 2004, McRae did consider raising the funds to continue as a privateer in the WRC. But eventually decided that not only was the idea financially unviable, but also accepted that his motivation was not perhaps what it was. In any case McRae understands Citroen's decision not to continue with him.

"At the time they [Citroen] made their decision," he said, "Carlos [Sainz] was in a stronger position in the championship than me, and still is. They also have strong links with the Spanish market, so both these factors obviously contributed. If the driver regulations hadn't changed, Citroen had always stated that they would keep all three of us. Now they can't."